Children's Socialization

OPEN-DOOR POLICY - The Parenting Center is open every weekday from 9:00am - 1:00pm for members and their children to drop in. Come enjoy our interactive classes with your child or visit other parents, grandparents or caregivers while the children play and develop their social skills. You can browse through our library and socialize with other members to find out how to handle everyday problems as well as share your everyday joys of parenting. The Parenting Center, a department of St. Tammany Parish Hospital, is located at 1505 N. Florida Street, Suite B in Covington.

Cuddle Buddies- A program designed as a "social playtime” for babies 8 to 15 months of age, as well as a learning and support opportunity for their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Join us for songs, stories and playtime. This group meets three Thursday mornings per month from 10:30am - 11:00am. This class is limited to 12 parent/child couples. The fee for this monthly series is $6 for Parenting Center members and $12 for non-members.

Play and Learn- An educational program designed for parents, grandparents or caregivers and their children, ages 16 months to 4 years, to have fun and learn… together! They will learn about a variety of interesting topics through discussion, music and movement, hands-on exploration, arts and crafts activities, and story time. Each month there is a new theme. As an added bonus we will incorporate the program "FUN AND FIT", which encourages both parents and children to get up and move! We'll have so much fun that we won't even realize we're exercising. We are all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from better health. This program is held on three Tuesday mornings per month from 9:30am - 10:15am. The fee for this monthly series is $15 per child for Parenting Center members, and $24 per child for non-members. The class size is limited to 12 parent/child couples.

Ballet - This class, lead by Kristen Billiot, introduces and exposes you and your child, ages 2 years and up, to movement and basic dance. This is a highly energetic and fun-filled dance class for the little ones.This class is held on three Monday mornings per month from 11:15am - Noon. The fee for this monthly program is $21 per child, per month for members and $30 per child, per month for non-members.

Play Days and Field Trips– These are monthly special events with varying themes and activities. They are held at The Parenting Center and at locations throughout the community.